The New South Wales Waratahs have parted ways with their kit supplier XBlades just one year into a three-year deal that was signed before the start of last season – with the impact of COVID-19 cited as the root cause.
XBlades, who have a large presence in the NRL, made the jump over to rugby union last year with a deal to supply NSW Waratahs Super Rugby, Super W, and Academy teams as well as the ‘Gen Blue’ junior program and NSWRU referees until the end of the 2023 season, but now the Waratahs are on the lookout for a new supplier.
“It has been a privilege to partner with the Waratahs and the NSWRU,” said XBlades CEO Alastair Davies. “Whilst this is not the outcome we envisaged when partnering 12 months ago, we have enjoyed working our time working closely with Paul [Doorn], Adam [Fulepp] and the NSWRU team.
“Our hope is that we all can overcome the difficult trading conditions brought about by COVID-19 and that our paths cross once again in the not-too-distant future.”
NSWRU CEO, Paul Doorn added, “Whilst we’re disappointed that they’ve been forced to terminate our deal, we also haven’t been immune to the effects of COVID-19 and understand the devastating impact this has had to business across the country and the world.
“To their credit, the team at XBLADES have been completely transparent from the outset about their ability meet the terms of our existing deal – giving us the time we need to make alternate arrangements for 2021.”
The Waratahs are expected to announce their new kit partner in the coming days.
Rugby Shirt Watch 
Any suppliers rumoured? Adidas maybe
Macron!!! 🤣
Australian sportswear company ISC have signed a deal until the end of 2023, would have loved Adidas